Whats the deal with fret buzz?

[jinithith2]

Is fret buzz supposed to be there? or does it depend entirely on your playing style??? My bongo has some fret buzz all the way up and down the neck but the string height is at the suggested level found in the EBMM FAQ section on set ups.

Am I supposed to be tolerating fret buzz coming through into the amp? I usually EQ it out when I'm playing fingerstyle by turning down the treble and a tad of high mid.

I was always curious about this because some people said fret buzz is supposed to be there, while other people who reviewed basses put "some fret buzz" in the con section.

Also, what should I do when I think a .45 G string can go even lower, yet the saddle is completely bottomed out

Here is my situation on the fret buzz- not much fret buzz around the first 7 frets on all strings. Definitely present on E string, slight ones on others. Starting around 11th fret, amount of fret buzz goes up with E and D strings having the most buzz.

 

[Musicman Nut]

Is fret buzz supposed to be there? or does it depend entirely on your playing style??? My bongo has some fret buzz all the way up and down the neck but the string height is at the suggested level found in the EBMM FAQ section on set ups.

Am I supposed to be tolerating fret buzz coming through into the amp? I usually EQ it out when I'm playing fingerstyle by turning down the treble and a tad of high mid.

I was always curious about this because some people said fret buzz is supposed to be there, while other people who reviewed basses put "some fret buzz" in the con section.

Also, what should I do when I think a .45 G string can go even lower, yet the saddle is completely bottomed out

It's a Minor Setup needed, 10 minutes to fix, Ernie Ball Music Man Has the Best Fret Work on the Planet, So don't sweat it, take it too someone who knows set ups and it'll be fixed before you know it.

 

[jinithith2]

So fretbuzz = bad?
I sent my bongo in to the San Luis Obispo factory because the original set up I received was a little funny. It came back with a shim, leveling of frets and a new set up because I requested maximum playability. came back with a little fret buzz but low action.
Maybe I have been playing too many basses with incredible playability???

I am totally confused... I hope the recommended factory string heights can be achieved with minimum fret buzz

 

[carpedebass]

I don't think you will be able to find a more playable bass than what you have there. I assume you mailed your bass to S.L.O. You have to understand that instrument setup needs to be done locally. I would never send a bass anywhere to have a setup done. Humidity levels, temperature levels and rough handling (not could) but WILL change the setup before you get it back in your hands. Have a setup done locally and test it before you take it home. If it still buzzes, tell the technician to fix it...that's why you are paying him/her. I have learned that factory specs do not work for everyone. Have the setup customized for your playing technique and style...LOCALLY!
To answer your question about fret buzz...it depends. Some folks like a little fret buzz to dirty up their sound a little bit. Some (me included) like the frets to buzz but not enough to amplify. Some do not want any buzz at all.
Someone said on this forum once that the difference between a bad setup and a good setup is measured in as little as 1 millimeter. Truer words have never been spoken!

 

[jinithith2]

I kept on wondering about that because my 300 dollar fernandes outplays the bongo by far right now... granted I am using a set of strings with gauges one step higher but I recall the factory strings were standard 105-45 and they played amazingly.

 

[jinithith2]

is it also possible that the leveling of the frets could have made things worse? I don't see how making the frets more even could cause more buzz

 

[carpedebass]

is it also possible that the leveling of the frets could have made things worse? I don't see how making the frets more even could cause more buzz

Not likely, no. Take the bass to a local setup tech and watch him/her work. Ask lots of questions. When it plays the way you want it to, pay them and go home.

 

[carpedebass]

I kept on wondering about that because my 300 dollar fernandes outplays the bongo by far right now... granted I am using a set of strings with gauges one step higher but I recall the factory strings were standard 105-45 and they played amazingly.

This should NEVER happen! You still have a setup issue!

 

[nashman]

If fret buzz occurs from the open to the 5th fret, the neck needs more relief. If it buzzes 5th to 12th fret, the neck needs to be straighter (truss wheel slightly clockwise). If it occurs all over the neck, the string height needs to be increased by turning the truss wheel slightly counter-clockwise.

 

[mynan]

If you sent your Bongo in to the factory for a setup, then it was probably set up to factory specs. That doesn't mean that it is set up to YOUR playing style. It might be wrong for you. There is no such thing as the perfect setup...just the perfect setup for you. From your comments, I'm guessing that you don't know how to make the adjustments yourself so you REALLY NEED to get with someone who knows what they are doing so they can make adjustments, let you play it, then make more adjustments if necessary until it is set up properly for your playing style.

It could also be a technique issue, but if you aren't having problems on other basses, then that might not be it.

 

[bovinehost]

I woke up this morning with a headache.

Anyone else think it's a tumor?

 

[oli@bass]

I woke up this morning with a headache.

Anyone else think it's a tumor?

If it's you? Definitely!

I woke up with a headache too, but I know it was one too many Single Malts!!


Regarding the OP: You ask too many questions that could indicate different possible problems. Then again you just had your EBMM bass set up professionally by EBMM. And still have fret buzz. Something I've never had. Actually, to me, the factory EBMM setting is always a bit on too high and I can take it down by half or quarter a turn on the saddle screws. However, I do have my basses set up to be on the verge of buzzing, and are doing it when I dig in hard -- because that's what I want.

I think you should see a local professional.

 

[Brim]

I woke up this morning with a headache.

Anyone else think it's a tumor?

It's not a tuma!!!

 

[Frantic Slayer]

if you cant hear it through your amp your fine, otherwise take it to a luthier for a setup, ect.

 

[bovinehost]

Listen, to the original poster: there is no way anyone here can give you much more in the way of suggestions without being able to see the bass. You need to take it to a local guy and if he doesn't want to watch you play a bit before going at your bass with a screwdriver, find another guy.

Now can this thread die of natural causes?

 

[sloshep]

Now can this thread die of natural causes?

I think it may be turning into a tumor

Try to find a setup guy who will adjust while you are there. This way he can observe you playing and get to the bottom of it. If I pick up my friends guitar and play it buzzes. When he plays it - no buzzes. nuff said.

 

[AnthonyD]

Hopefully benign...


Coincidentally, I am tweaking my #1 at the very moment (truss rod adjustment settling in)...

I don't do buzz - and I'm looking to go to 2/32nds at the 12th fret... Yep, 1/16th ain't enough for me!

Full on "bursting with excitement praise" to follow in alternate thread.





And to OP - yes, too much to diagnose via "virtual guitar shop" - get it to a tech who knows what he (or she) is doing.

 

[jar546]

If a bass is set up properly and I hear fret buzz then I assume I am doing something wrong. If you are not doing anything wrong and have good technicque then see a local pro if the EBMM factory specs don't work for you.

This thread will probably die if is set to EBMM factory specs.

 

[bovinehost]

Okay, so we're not going to let it die of natural causes.

I hate closing threads, but I'm closing this.